WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following a nine-year renovation process, The Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. has reopened its doors after $125 million in upgrades.
New York-based developer Euro Capital Properties owns the famous hotel property, which had been closed for renovations since 2007. The hotel consists of 336 guestrooms, half of which include balconies, and 32 suites.
Located on the banks of the Potomac River at 2650 Virginia Ave. N.W., The Watergate Hotel was originally designed by Italian architect Luigi Moretti in 1961 to look like a sail on the river.
It opened in March 1967, and its name is synonymous with the political scandal that started with a break-in at the Democratic National Convention headquarters, which was located in an office complex connected to the hotel. The scandal would eventually lead to the 1974 resignation of President Richard Nixon.
For the renovations, Ron Arad and Italian design firm Moroso added curves and mid-century modern design, while restoring some of the hotel’s original structures such as its staircase and indoor pool. Architectural and interior design firm BBGM was the architect for the project.
“The Watergate is undoubtedly one of the most glamorous and illustrious hotels in the world,” says Rakel Cohen, senior vice president of design and development with Euro Capital Properties. “We paid meticulous attention to every detail in its renovation, and we’re excited to bring our vision to life. Its intrigue is driven by evocative design, from the deep-rooted retro feel to the mystique that lies behind every curve of the hotel’s architecture.”
Executive chef Michael Santoro will oversee the hotel’s two restaurants. Kingbird, which is now open, offers a dining room with a bar, riverfront outdoor seating and a dining room. The menu features “American cuisine with a French twist.” Top of the Gate, a rooftop restaurant with views of the Potomac River, Capitol Building and Washington Monument, will open this summer.
Also already open is The Next Whisky Bar, which is located in the lobby.
The Watergate Hotel also features 27,000 square feet of meeting and function space with 11 flexible indoor/outdoor spaces. A new addition to the property, the 7,000-square-foot Moretti Grand Ballroom, features LED light panels and a wall built from Gucci marble along with an additional 10,000 square feet of outdoor space overlooking the Potomac.
— Haisten Willis